We’re finally getting into the swing of things with school, so let’s talk about the best way to fill those after-school hours! If you have a child with ADHD, you’re probably looking for after-school activities that ease anxiety, release excess energy, and promote focus. And that’s a great place to start!

The best after-school activities for kids offer the following:

• Release of excess/nervous energy
• Hone focus and concentration
• Learn organizational skills
• Play, bond, and cooperate with others
• Enjoy a sense of personal accomplishment and achievement
• Set personal goals and celebrate milestones along the way
• Explore creative self-expression

The great news is there are tons of fun, rewarding activities that come with all those benefits and more! In the process, your child can develop new skills, learn to stay on-task, and experience the enjoyment of seeing things through to new milestones or completion.

 

Sports

It’s well known that sports and other extracurricular activities help kids with ADHD. According to scientific studies, daily exercise or sports helps kids with ADHD improve mentally and physically. As little as twenty minutes a day has enormous benefits!

With sports, there are so many options. No matter what your child is into, there’s probably a sport out there that interests or appeals to them. Whether it’s soccer, baseball, skateboarding, or wrestling, both team and individual sports can help kids with ADHD memorize routines, grow their self-control, cooperate with others, set goals, and improve persistence.

These days, kids have a wide variety of sports to choose from:

• Volleyball
• Lacrosse
• Wrestling
• Skateboarding
• Basketball
• Baseball
• Soccer
• Track and Field
• Tennis
• Gymnastics

Martial arts is another outstanding option for kids with ADHD. It teaches discipline, dedication, self-control, and structure, all while helping them get their daily dose of much-needed exercise. Plus, there are some pretty cool outfits and accessories!

 

Drama, Music, and Art

Getting involved in drama, music, and the arts is a beautiful path for kids with ADHD. Whether signing up for the school play, picking up the cello, or drawing with charcoal, these disciplines are hugely beneficial for any kid with interest, aptitude, or appreciation.

Options for the arts include:

• Drawing
• Painting
• Acting in theater
• Writing
• Playing an instrument
• Singing in a choir
• Sculpting

For kids with ADHD, the arts encourage creativity, self-expression, and honing particular skills. Moreover, the therapeutic benefits of drama, artistic expression, writing, and music are well-documented. Children (and adults!) enjoy the feeling of personal accomplishment and mastery and can work through emotional and psychological issues.

 

Scouting

Scouting can be an enriching experience for any child with ADHD. Scouting for boys or girls teaches accountability and teamwork. Plus, it helps kids focus, learn valuable skills, improve organization, and set goals.

Scouting incorporates a lot of other activities, too:

• General camping skills
• Arts and crafts
• Swimming and canoeing
• Outdoor cooking
• Winter weather camping
• Backpacking
• Mountain biking
• Wilderness survival
• Purposeful games

The experience of earning badges for accomplishments gives children a sense of pride, is highly motivating, and encourages them to continue learning new skills and setting new goals.

 

Old Fashioned Games

They’ve been around forever for a reason! Old-fashioned games never go out of style because they’re fun, timeless, and rewarding. For kids with ADHD, these games can be a constant source of support, engagement, and healthy focus.

Children with ADHD can benefit from old-fashioned games like:

• Bingo
• Chess
• Checkers
• Dominoes
• Bingo
• Chinese Checkers
• Twister

In addition to being a great way to pass the time away from a glowing screen, these games help kids learn strategy while improving their concentration and focus. Best of all, these games can be enjoyed by the entire family or at parties to encourage social bonding and healthy competition.

Conclusion: Fun After-School Activities for Kids With ADHD

Many of the most beloved after-school activities are wonderfully beneficial for kids with ADHD. And that’s great news because they’ll likely see other kids appreciating and enjoying these activities and want to join in! Participating will not only help them make friends, but it will also benefit their ADHD in many positive ways.

Remember, you can always count on Sensory Scout for the latest sensory news, products, and plenty of community support. Access sensory tools and toys, teletherapy sessions, and more through our Facebook Group. We hope these tips help your child find their new favorite after-school activity!